Roof construction



Jan. 25, 1938. A T P N 2,106,396

ROOF CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 28, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR ATT NEYS Jan. 25, 1938. J. A. TOPPlNG ROOF CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 28, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 40 INVENTOR fo/ew A Ta W6 BY gfi m v & SW ATTO NEYS Patented Jan. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROOF CONSTRUCTION John A. Topping, Bronxville, N. Y.

Application September 28, 1933, Serial No. 691,295

15 Claims.

This invention relates to a covering for a surface exposed to the weather and more particularly to a roof construction in which the covering elements are laid in overlapping arrangement.

Covering elements of various types are commonly laid upon surfaces exposed to the weather in courses with the exposed edges of the elements in one course overlapping upon a subjacent course. It has also been proposed to lay the elements in such courses with a lateral edge thereof overlapping upon the element laterally adjacent thereto in the course. Such constructions have utilized covering elements of different types including elements made of roofing felt impregnated with weatherproof material such as asphalt and having a coating of weatherproof material thereon to bind upon the element a surfacing material such as granular slate.

The present invention may utilize elements of any of the types and compositions known in the art and is concerned with a particular form of the elements and their arrangement in relation to each other to provide a weather resisting and water tight construction, as do the constructions of the prior art, but to produce certain new effects and textures in the assembled covering which results from the mechanical form of the element and from the mechanical arrangement of the elements with respect to each other.

39 In the covering construction of my invention I may utilize units embodying designs or portions thereof of elements used in the prior art and in particular I may utilize a form of edge having some of the features of that disclosed in my prior Design Patent No. 81,768. Such a form, of edge has an outline providing outwardly projecting portions from the outermost point or tip of which the coursewise or exposed edge extends in a lateral direction to a point positioned inwardly of the 4-1. element with respect to said outermost'point of the projection. I thus utilize for the exposed coursewise edge of the element what may be described as a serrated edge.

The invention, however, is not concerned with .7 the design of the element or elements used in the construction nor with the design of the edges of such elements, nor is the invention concerned with the particular design or designs produced or made possible by the assembly of covering ele- 5'3 ments in the arrangement and relationship proposed by my invention. Designs maybe produced in the coverings assembled according to the invention but such designs may be modified and different designs may be produced while maintaining the particular form of the element and relationship of the elements and of their exposed edges as proposed according to my invention.

The feature of myinvention which makes possible different effects and effects which heretofore ;have been obtained is concerned with the relationship of the position of the outermost points or the outer tips of the outwardly projecting portions, referred to above, of the coursewise edge of one element to the inwardly positioned point or recess or corner of an element laterally adjacent thereto; also the relation of the element in one course with respect to the elements in an adjacent course. In the following description when referring to the outermost points of the outwardly projecting portions of the elements I do not intend that necessarily such a projecting portion shall have a sharply defined point. Within the spirit of the invention this point or tip may be rounded or have other modifications of the outline of the laterally and inwardly extending portions of the edge. Likewise, the inwardly positioned point need not be a sharp intersection between two inwardly extending portions of the outline to form a sharp corner but such a corner or recess may be rounded or otherwise modified while maintaining the general feature of a serrated outline providing outwardly projecting portions and recesses upon the coursewise edge of the element.

As will beunderstood from the description in connection with the drawings, in a specific embodiment of the invention I so lay the elements in the course and so laterally overlap one element upon the other in the course that the outermost point or tip of an outwardly projecting portion substantially coincides with the inwardly positioned point or corner of the element adjacent in the course. I may within the scope of my invention make certain modifications of this particular embodiment without obtaining exact coincidence of said points. However, when the elements are laid in the laterally overlapped arrangement in the course the general line of the course is maintained substantially by positioning like points on successive adjacent elements on lines substantially parallel to the line of the course.

My invention, therefore, in one phase may be expressed as a construction embodying the feature of the relationship of the points or tips of the outwardly projecting portions of the elements and the inwardly positioned points of the laterally adjacent element. In another phase the invention may be expressed as the combination of such relation of the outwardly projecting points and inwardly positioned points with the placement of the elements with respect to each other so as to define a single course of elements. Still other features relate to the serrated outline providing means to position an element in a course with respect to an element adjacent in the course and to position the courses laterally with respect to each other. As will be seen from the drawings a complete coverage of the surface to be protected is obtained. With the elements of suitable proportions a double or triple coverage of the surface is possible while laying the elements in courses so m and u.

arranged as normally to provide a coverage with the usual head lap.

It will be noted that the lateral overlapping arrangement combined with the serrated edge may provide design effects characterized by exposure below the overlapping portion of one element of a part of the overlapping portion of the adjacent element.

The features of the invention above describe and others will be more clearly understood from the description to follow taken in connection with the drawings in which Figure 1 shows a single element having two projecting portions on the exposed edge.

Figure 2 shows an element having one projecting portion intermediate to two projecting portions which have their outermost points or tips at the lateral edge of said element.

Figure 3 shows an assembly of the units of Figure 1 and Figure 4 shows an assembly of the units of Figure 2. t

Figure 5 shows a modified assembly of units.

In Figure 1 the element is provided with a serrated edge of the type disclosed in my prior Design Patent No. 81,768. The element I has outwardly projecting portions 2 and 3 placed intermediate the lateral edges 4 and 5 of the element. The coursewise edge of said element is thus provided with an outline having portions 6, l, 8 and 9 extending from the outermost points or tips l0 and H of said projections laterally to points [2, l3 and 14 positioned inwardly of the element with respect to said outermost points or tips It will also be noted that in the element shown in Figure 1 portions of the lateral edges 4 and 5 converge toward the edge to be exposed, that is, the coursewise edge of the element. I may, however, use an element which :has parallel lateral edges or lateral edges at least one of which is substantially at a right angle or at some other angle extending transverse to the general direction of the coursewise edge.

In producing individual covering elements of the form utilized in my invention I may first cut from a sheet strips having tabs separated by cutouts or spaces and having an edge outline shown in my prior Design Patent No. 81,768. These strips conveniently may be produced by the process disclosed and claimed in my prior application, Ser. No. 654,600, filed February 1, 1933. I then may out said strip between the tabs and transversely of the strip to produce individual elements of the form shown in Figure 1 in which at the innermost ends of the converging portions of the edges 4 and 5 are formed small curved corners or offsets l5. These curved corners, as will be clear from the illustration in my prior application, Serial No. 654,600, filed February 1, 1933, results from rounding the inner corners of the cutouts between tabs of the strip shingle shown in my prior Design Patent No. 81,768. This corner I5 by gauging or positioning it in relation to, for example, the edge of a superimposed course, may serve as a guide in laying the elements in the assembled covering to assist in positioning each element at the proper angle with the line of the course as will be described hereafter and also to assist in determining the desired exposure of one course below an overlapping course.

In the form illustrated in Figure 1 the outermost tips l0 and II of the outwardly projecting portions 2 and 3 are not formed with a sharp point but are somewhat rounded. Likewise it will be noted that the recess l3 between the projecting portions does not form a sharp corner but is somewhat rounded. Also it will be noted that the corners l2 and I4 where the coursewise edge meets the lateral edges are of rounded form. This effect may be obtained in various ways in different types of covering elements. In covering elements which have a coating of asphalt or other mastic material thereon as a binder to secure upon the surface of the element a granular surfacing material, such rounding of the corners and tips may be obtained when the coating is applied by dipping the element in a bath of the mastic material. Particularly when the element has been previously coated and surfaced, the second coating and surfacing produce a thick butt element having the edges thereof rounded or relieved of a sharp edge. In such dipped elements capillary action carries the coating around the intersection of the face and edge surfaces of the element to form the rounded edges and corners.

The exposed portion only of the element is usually dipped. Thus are sealed the edge surfaces of the element which otherwise has the base material, such as the felt, exposedv to the weather. As the portion overlapped by a superimposed course is not so exposed, and as, in the case of elements having a second coating applied by dipping, the first coating provides the protection and, if desired, the means for binding a surfacing material upon said overlapped surface, the second coating is not required upon said overlapped portion. Elements of the outline used in my invention and having their exposed portions dipped in coating may be made by severing a tabbed strip as described above. When they are first dipped and then severed all the exposed surfaces may be sealed. As the severing cut is made in the portion which is to be overlapped by a superimposed course, the edge surfaces formed by said severing cut made after clipping the elements are not sealed. However, the base material or felt does not become subjected to any substantial action of the weather because for the most part these unsealed edges are covered by overlapping courses.

In Figure 2 the outline of the coursewise edge is composed of the portions l6, l7, l8 and H] extending from the tips 20, 21 and 22 and connecting to the corners 23 and 24 of the recesses between the outwardly projecting portions 25, 26 and 21. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 the corners and tips are not rounded but are formed by the sharp intersection of the rectilinear edges l6, l'l, l8 and I9 and of the lateral edges 4 and 5 with the edges l6 and 19 respectively. The lateral edges 4 and 5 of said element are shown parallel to each other but like the element of Figure 1 may be at right angles to or in other relation to the general line of the coursewise edge of the element. The tips 20, 2i and 22 and the corners 23 and 24 may be rounded as in Figure 1 if so desired.

In Figure 3 is shown an assembly of elements of the type illustrated in Figure 1. It will be noted from Figure 3 that the elements are laid in courses which courses are in overlapping arrangement and that the elements in the courses are laid with the lateral edges thereof overlapping upon the element adjacent thereto in the course. It will be seen from Figure 3 that the tip or outermost point H of the outwardly projecting portion 3 is substantially superimposed and coincident with the corner [2, that is, with an inwardly positioned point of the element adjacent thereto in the course. Moreover, it will be noted that the elements in each course are so arranged with respect to each other as to define the course. This is accomplished by positioning corresponding points in adjacent elements on lines substantially parallel to the line of the course, for example, the tips ll of the outwardly extending portions 3 on each successive element in the course are substantially on a line parallel to the course. Similarly, the outermost points or tips H] of the outwardly projecting portions 2 as well as the inwardly positioned points l3 are respectively on lines extending generally parallel to the course. Thus the elements are slightly tilted with respect to the line of the course so that the general direction of the edge tobe eX- posed, that is the coursewise edge of the element, is at a slight angle to the line of the course. The corner or offset l5 may be used to gauge the tilt of the element as mentioned above. This tilt or angular position is a characteristic feature of the mechanical arrangement of the elements of my invention.

- As shown in Figures 1 and 2 the edge of the element which is to be overlapped by a superimposed course is also made with a serrated outline. As wil be understood from the disclosure in my prior application Serial No. 654,600, filed February 1, 1933, the formation of the strips by a cut of serrated outline transversely of a sheet produces in such a strip complementary edges for the edge to be overlapped by a superimposed course and for the coursewise edge to be exposed of the element. When, as described above, individual elements are produced from such strips by cutting the strips transversely thereof between the tabs, the complementary edges are retained upon the elements. In this way there is formed an individual shingle or element which not only has the mechanical form of my invention but provides means which when such individual elements are laid in courses, may be utilized as guides for laying the elements in proper relation to each other in each course and also for properly relating the elements in one course to those in a subjacent course. For example, when the tip ll of the outwardly projecting portion 3 is substantially superimposed and coincident with the corner I2 of the element adjacent in the course, the inwardly positioned point 34 of the edge to be overlapped by a superimposed course may be brought into substantial coincidence with the outwardly projecting corner or a point thereof on the laterally adjacent overlapped element. Thus may be insured the proper relation of one element to the other in the course. Moreover, if the element already in position in the course has been positioned with the proper tilt or inclination to the line of the course, the coincidence of the corner 30 or of point 35 with point 34 will test the proper tilt for the element being laid and overlapped upon the adjacent element. One feature of my invention, therefore, resides in an individual element or shingle having edges of serrated outline for the coursewise edges, said outlines being substantially complementary and providing means for positioning ele ments in laterally overlapping arrangement in courses one with respect to the other in proper alignment. Moreover it will be understood that in laying the next successive course the points of the element being laid may be placed in a given ;or with the point 3| on the upper edge of an ele- .the water thereon, therefore, is less severe.

ment'in the subjacent course, while at the same time the inwardly positioned point l3 of the element being laid may be brought in coincidence with the lateral edge 5 of the subjacent element. Other points of the elements may be used to lay the elements in one course in different relations to those of the subjacent course.

As the elements of my invention are laid in a tilted position the edge surface of the lateral edges thereof which are raised with respect to the line of thecourse, that is, of the edges 5 in Figures 3 and 4, may face in' a direction upwardly or above the line of the course and become subject to the action of water flowing down over the edge of a superimposed element. The water may run along said edge 5 and then on to the face of the subjacent element. When dipped elements are used, said edge is protected against this water action upon the felt such as would occur in the case of ordinary elements cut from a sheet and having the cut edges unsealed. On the other hand the other lateral edge being inclined, is not so positioned as to face the action of the water and to carry the water therealong. The action of According to 'my invention, therefore, I may relate the elements in one course with respect to those in a superimposed course so that the sealed portion of the lifted lateral edge 5 only is exposed. The upper portion thereof, being overlapped by the superimposed course need not be sealed.

If then the lateral edge 4 has a small part ofthe unsealed portion thereofbelow the edge of a superimposed element, the action of water upon the base felt will be negligible or may not occur at all depending upon the thickness of the elements and the section of the edge. It therefore becomes possible so to tilt the elements that the unsealed, that is the undipped, part thereof is slightly exposed at points where the lateral edge, such as the edge 4 in the drawings, intersects the edge of an overlapping course. When the overlapped unsealed portion of the element is black or dark in appearance the shadow effect is accentuated. This particularly may be the case when the corner 15 becomes exposed just below the edge of an overlapping course. Moreover, the sealing coating need not be applied over the surface to be exposed to a greater extent than is necessary to cover the portion to be exposed of the lifted lateral edge 5, and of course the face to be exposed of the element. Thus a saving of coating is effected while providing an assembled covering having those edges and faces which are subjected to water action protected therefrom.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 the portion 6 of the serrated outline of the element 1 is shown as substantially in line With the portion 8 of the overlapping element. This alignment results from the placement of the successive elements with corresponding points on lines substantially parallel to the line of the course, as described above, when elements of similar outline are used. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the mechanical arrangement and the form of the edge of the elements also provide the feature that a-portion of the underlying element adjacent in the course is exposed below the lower edge, that is, below the portion 9 of the overlapping element. Thus by the mechanical arrangement of elements having the serrated outline disclosed in my prior Design Patent No. 81,768 I produce a modification of the design secured bythe ordinary assembly of elements of the type illustrated in said prior patent, which ordinary assembly is shown in my prior Design Patent No. 76,843. Within the scope of my invention, however, I may modify somewhat the angle at which adjacent elements shown in Figure 3 are laid with respect to the line of the course so that the edge 6 of one element is not exactly in line with the edge 8 of the overlapping element. Moreover, without departing from the feature of the invention by which the elements are laid at an angle to the line of the course, I may somewhat modify the design produced by laying the adjacent elements with edge 6, for example, intersecting edge 9 of the overlapping element. In such modifications however corresponding points on successive laterally adjacent elements define the line of the course.

Figure 4 shows an assembly of the elements illustrated in Figure 2 in which the outwardly projecting portions 21 at the righthand end of the elements have their tips or points 22 superimposed upon the inward corner 23 of the recess between the outwardly projecting portions 25 and 25. Similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 3 the corresponding points on successive adjacent elements are positioned substantially on lines parallel to the line of the course. There is thus produced in the assembly of Figure 4 a tilted or inclined position of the elements similar to that shown in Figure 3. It will also be noted that similarly to Figure 3 the angle of the tilt may be gauged, for example, by the coincidence of points 45) and ll on laterally adjacent elements and by the position of edge 4 with respect to inwardly positioned point 24 or edge 5 with point 2 I.

In Figure 4 the edge I! of the central projecting portion of one element is arranged substantially in line with the edge IQ of the right hand projecting portion 27 of the overlapping element. The edge Id of the underlying element thus becomes exposed below the edge IQ of the overlapping element and a portion of the lateral edge of the underlying element likewise becomes exposed. In Figure 4, utilizing the elements of Figure 2 which have their lateral edges 4 and 5 parallel to each other, because of the inclined or tilted position of the elements in the course maintaining general alignment of the elements in the course, the edges 4 and 5 are not at right angles to the line of the course but are inclined slightly toward the left in the upwardly extending direction. In Figure 3, due to the inclination of the edge 5 to the general line of the exposed edge of the element I said exposed portion of the edge 5 of the overlapping element becomes positioned substantially at right angles to the line of the course. In the assembly shown in Figure 3, however, the exposed portion of the edge 5 may become differently positioned depending upon the angle at which it is formed with respect to the general line of the exposed edge.

It will be noted that in Figure 4 a different character of design is obtained from that which is illustrated in Figure 3 but that this is accomplished by the same kind of mechanical arrangement of the elements having a serrated coursewise edge. This arrangement comprises the feature of substantially coincidentally positioning a tip or outermost point of an outwardly extending portion and the corner of a recess or inwardly positioned point with respect to each other and also the feature of inclining or tilting the strips in the course to substantially align corresponding points in the difierent elements in parallelism with the line of the course.

Figure 5 illustrates, in the different courses shown diflerent ways of lapping the lateral edges of the elements in the course, that is righthand and lefthand laps, and also certain combinations of courses with elements lapped in different directions. In many cases it may be preferable to lap the elements in opposite directions in alternate courses. This construction prevents giving opportunity to the wind to lift all the elements of the roof, as those in courses lapped in one direction will not be lifted by a wind from a direction which would tend to lift those in the other course. The lapping of lateral edges reduces the degree to which an element may lift. The overlapped portions or corners may also be fastened down, the fastening being protected by the lap.

Figure 5 also shows combinations of the two types of elements illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

In this figure in the lowermost course elements of the type shown in Figure 2 are laid with the serrated edge thereof, having the points and 4|, as the coursewise edge to be exposed. The next overlapping course is formed by elements of the type of Figure 2 laid with the opposite serrated edge exposed, that is, with the edge having the points 20, 2| and 22 as the coursewise edge to be exposed. It will be noted from Figure 5 that whereas in the lowermost course the elements are laid with the edge 4 thereof overlapped to the right upon the adjacent element, in the next course above the elements are laid with the edge 4 (the shingle now being inverted) overlapped to the left upon the shingle adjacent in the course. In the third course from the bottom the elements are laid in the same manner as in the lowermost course. In the uppermost course the shingles are laid with the edge having the points 20, 2| and 22 as the coursewise edge to be exposed and have the edges 4 overlapped to the left upon the adjacent shingle.

As will be seen from Figure 5, in the lowermost and in the third course from the bottom, the points 4| of an overlapping shingle are substantially coincident with the corner 4!] of the overlapped shingle. Like points on each shingle are arranged in a line parallel to the coursewise direction and the shingles are tilted in the course in the manner described above.

In the second course from the bottom of Figure 5 the shingles are laid with the points 23 in substantial coincidence with the points 22 of the overlapped adjacent shingle. As like points in the different shingles are arranged on a line parallel to the course, the points 20, that is, the corner portions 25, become positioned below the overlapped shingle. Thus the lines l8 are offset in a direction transversely of the course from the lines IQ of the overlapped adjacent shingle. It will be noted that the shingles in the three lower courses thus become tilted in the same direction with respect to the coursewise direction.

In the uppermost course the shingles are laid with the points 20 substantially coincident with the points 24 of the overlapped shingle and with the points 22, that is, the corner 2'! extending and exposed below the serrated coursewise edge of the adjacent overlapped shingle. As the shingles are arranged in the course with like points upon the same coursewise line, the shingles thus become tilted in the direction opposite to that of the three lower courses.

It will be noted from Figure 5 that because of the variations in the mechanical arrangement with respect to each other of the shingles having the serrated coursewise edge to be exposed, motifs of difierent outline and character are formed in the roof construction. These different motifs are produced by the difference in the direction in which the lateral edges of the shingle are overlapped upon the adjacent shingle and by the utilization of the two different serrated edges of the shingle as Well as by the variations in the points selectedjor coincidence in the overlapped arrangements. It also will be noted that in the forms utilized in Figure 5 the lateral edges 4 and 5 of a shingle in one course in many cases fall upon a point of the serration of the edge to be overlapped of the shingle in an adjacent course. Thus, for example, the edges 5 of the shingles in the third course from the bottom fall upon the point 44 of the shingle inthe second course from the bottom. Similarly, the edge 4 of the shingle in the second course from the bottom falls upon the point 2i of the shingle in the lowermost course. As has been explained above, this substantial coincidence of the lateral edges with points on the serrated edges of shingles in the subjacent course assist in guiding the laying of the shingles in the roof.

In other modifications combinations of elements of the type of Figure 1 with those of Figure 2 may be made in the same course. The combinations shown are merely illustrative and many variations may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention. The invention is not limited to elements having a felt base covered with a plastic coating but may utilize elements of different compositions and materials of which the shape and arrangement are substantially as described above.

What is claimed as new is:

l. A roof construction comprising a plurality of roofing elements laid in overlapping courses and with a lateral edge of one element overlapping the element laid adjacent thereto in the course, said elements having the exposed coursewise edges thereof of serrated outline providing outwardly projecting portions, said outline having a part thereof extending from the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion in a lateral direction to a point positioned with respect thereto inwardly of the element, said elements being laid in the roof with the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion of one element substantially coincident with an inwardly positioned point of the adjacent element and with corresponding points in the elements in each course substantially on a line parallel to the line of the course.

2. A roof construction comprising a plurality of roofing elements laid in overlapping courses and with a lateral edge of one element overlapping the element laid adjacent thereto in the course, said elements having the exposed coursewise edges thereof of serrated outline providing outwardly projecting portions, said outline having a part thereof extending from the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion in a lateral direction to a point positioned with respect thereto inwardly of the element, said elements being laid in the roof with the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion of one element substantially coincident with an inwardly positioned point of the adjacent element and with corresponding points in the elements in each course substantially on a line parallel to the line of the course, the outline of said edge being such that an inwardly extending part thereof on one element is substantially in line with the part of the outline of the adjacent element which is adjacent the lateral edge of said adjacent element.

3. A roof construction comprising a plurality of roofing elements laid in overlapping courses and with a lateral edge of one element overlapping the element laid adjacent thereto in the course, said elements havingthe exposed course-' wise edges thereof of serrated outline providing outwardly projecting portions, said outline having a part thereof extending from the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion in a lateral direction to a point positioned with respect thereto inwardly of the element, said elements being laid in the roof with the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion of one element substantially coincident with aninwardly positioned point of the adjacent element'and with corresponding points in the elements 'in each course substantially on a line parallel to the line of the course, said lateral edges of said elements converging in the direction of said exposed edge.

4. A roof construction comprising'a plurality of roofing elements laid in overlapping courses and with a lateral edge of one element overlapping the element laid adjacent thereto in the course, said elements having the exposed coursewise edges thereof of serrated outline providing outwardly projecting portions, said outlinehaving a part thereof extending fromthe outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion in a lateral direction to a point positioned with respect thereto inwardly of the element, said elements being laid in the roof with the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion of one element substantially coincident with an inwardly positioned point of the adjacent element and with corresponding points in the elements in each course substantially one line parallel to the line of the course, at least one of said lateral edges of said elements extending at an'angle greater than a right-angle with respect to the general direction of the exposed edge of said element.

5. A roof construction comprising a plurality of roofing elements laid in overlapping courses and with a lateral edge of one element overlapping the element laid adjacent thereto in the course, said elements having the exposed coursewise edges thereof of serrated outline providing outwardly projecting portions, said outline having a part thereof extending from the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion in a lateral direction to a point positioned with respect thereto inwardly of the element, said elements being laid in the roof with the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion of one element substantially coincident with an inwardly positioned point of the adjacent element and with corresponding points in the elements in each course substantially on a line parallel to the line of the course, at least one of said lateral edges of said elements extending at an angle greater than a right-angle with respect to the general direction of the exposed edge of said element by an amount to position at substantially right angles to the course said lateral edges of said elements exposed by overlapping upon adjacent elements. g

6. A roof construction comprising a plurality of roofing elements laid in overlapping courses and with a lateral edge of one element over- Cir coursewise edges thereof of serrated outline providing a plurality of similar outwardly projecting portions, said outline having a part thereof extending from the outermost point of an outwardly projecting portion in a lateral direction to a point positioned with respect thereto inwardly of the element, said elements being laid in the roof with the outermost point of the outwardly projecting portion adjacent one end of each element substantially coincident with the inwardly positioned point adjacent the adjacent overlapped end of the element adjacent in the course and exposing the portion of said overlapped adjacent element below the overlapping portion of the overlapping element.

'7. A roof construction according to claim 1 in which the outwardly extending portions are intermediate the ends of the elements.

8. A roof construction according to claim 1 in which the element is provided with at least one outwardly extending portion at the lateral edge of the element.

9. A roof construction according to claim 1 in which the elements in one course have their outwardly projecting portions intermediate the lateral ends of the elements and in another course have an outwardly projecting portion adjacent at least one lateral edge of the element.

10. A covering for a surface comprising a plurality of elements laid laterally adjacent to each other in general alignment in a course with one lateral edge of each element overlapping upon a portion of the element laterally adjacent thereto in the course, said elements; having the portions of the outline of the edges to be exposed thereof which are respectively adjacent the lateral edges of said elements extending at angles to the line of the course, said angles being oppositely divergent from said line of the course, said elements being arranged with said portion of the outline adjacent one lateral edge of one element intersecting said portion of the outline adjacent the adjacent lateral edge of the adjacent element, said elements being laid with like points on each element substantially in coursewise alignment.

11. A roof construction comprising shingles laid in general alignment adjacent each other in courses with the lateral edge of one shingle overlapping the lateral edge of a shingle laid adjacent thereto in the course, said shingles each having an edge to be exposed formed with a serrated outline, the portions of said outline adjacent the lateral edges of the shingle being symmetrical about a line in the shingle extending in the same general direction as the lateral edges of the shingle, said symmetrical portions of said outline in the same shingle not being in alignment with each other, said symmetrical portion adjacent the underlapped lateral edge of the laterally underlapped shingle extending below the symmetrical portion adjacent the overlapping lateral edge of the laterally overlapping shingle, said symmetrical portion on one shingle being substantially in alignment with the portion of the serration adjacent said symmetrical portion on the adjacent shingle.

12. A roofing element defining an individual shingle for laying in overlapping courses and having a coursewise edge thereof of serrated outline and having lateral edges like-extending in a direction transversely of said coursewise edge, the portions of the serrations respectively adjacent said lateral edges extending at opposite angles to the general direction of said coursewise edge, the point of the serrations of said course- Wise edge adjacent but removed from one lateral edge being positioned at a distance from said lateral edge of the element substantially equal to the lateral overlap of one element with respect to the other in a course, whereby, when said point of the serrations is brought into substantial coincidence with the adjacent lateral edge of an element adjacent in the course and said elements are aligned in the course, the elements may be laid in side-lapped arrangement and with the portion of the serrations adjacent one lateral edge of one element at an angle to the portion of the serrations adjacent the adjacent lateral edge of the adjacent element in the course.

13. A roof construction comprising a plurality of roofing elements having lateral edges extending from a coursewise edge to be exposed, said elements being laid in courses and with a lateral edge of each element overlapping the element laid adjacent thereto in the course, said coursewise edge of said elements being formed with the portions thereof which respectively are adjacent the lateral edges of the element extending at an angle to each other, said elements being positioned in the course with the dimension thereof which is like-extending with the lateral edges extending at an angle to the direction of the course other than a right angle but at such an angle that the coursewise edges of the laterally overlapping elements intersect.

14. A roof construction comprising elements having lateral edges generally like-extending in the element, said elements being laid in courses with the lateral edge of one element overlapping upon a portion of the element laterally adjacent thereto in the course to cover the underlapped edge of said adjacent element, said elements being so tilted in position in said course that the side of said element at said overlapping lateral edge is offset transversely of the line of the course in the direction toward the course above and so that the exposed portion of the edge surface of said lateral edge faces at least slightly at an angle to the course and toward said course above, the edge surface of at least said exposed portion of said lateral edge being coated with a weather-resisting coating.

15. A roof construction comprising elements laid in overlapping courses, said elements having lateral edges generally like-extending in the,

element, said elements being tilted in position in the course so that the side of the element at a lateral edge thereof is offset transversely of the course in the direction toward the overlapping course and at least the exposed portion of the edge surface of said raised lateral edge faces at an angle to the course at least slightly toward said overlapping course, the edge surface of at least the exposed portion of said raised lateral edge of the element being sealed with a weather resisting coating, the edge surface of the other lateral edge of said element along at least a part of the exposed face thereof being free of said sealing coating.

JOHN A. TOPPING. 

